Luke 1:24

And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,

And ^{G1161} after ^{G3326} those ^{G5025} days ^{G2250} his ^{G846} wife ^{G1135} Elisabeth ^{G1665} conceived ^{G4815}, and ^{G2532} hid ^{G4032} herself ^{G1438} five ^{G4002} months ^{G3376}, saying ^{G3004},

Following this, Elisheva his wife conceived, and she remained five months in seclusion, saying,

After these days, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. She declared,

And after these days Elisabeth his wife conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying,

Context

Luke 1:24 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. Following the angelic annunciation to Zechariah in the temple, where the angel Gabriel declared that his barren and elderly wife Elisabeth would conceive a son (who would be John the Baptist), Zechariah was struck mute for his disbelief. "After those days" refers to the period after Zechariah completed his priestly service and returned home to the hill country of Judea. This verse confirms the miraculous conception of John the Baptist, fulfilling the divine promise. Elisabeth's decision to "hid herself five months" suggests a period of private thanksgiving, perhaps humility, or a desire to savor the miraculous nature of her pregnancy before it became widely known.

Key Themes

Divine Intervention and Promise Fulfilled: This verse powerfully demonstrates God's ability to act beyond natural limitations. Elisabeth's conception in her old age, after years of barrenness, is a clear sign of God's miraculous power and His faithfulness to His word, a theme echoed throughout the Bible concerning barren women like Sarah (Genesis 21:2) and Hannah (1 Samuel 1:20).
Humility and Private Rejoicing: Elisabeth's decision to conceal her pregnancy for five months highlights a sense of private wonder and gratitude. It suggests a desire to quietly absorb the magnitude of God's blessing before sharing it with the world, a humble response to a divine favor.
Preparation for a New Era: The conception of John the Baptist is not an isolated event; it is the beginning of God's preparatory work for the coming of the Messiah. John was prophesied to prepare the way for the Lord (Luke 1:17), and his miraculous birth underscores the divine significance of his mission.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "hid herself" comes from the Greek word periekryben (περιέκρυβεν), which implies a deliberate and thorough act of concealment or withdrawal. It's not merely staying at home, but a purposeful act of keeping herself out of public view. This emphasizes Elisabeth's intentionality in cherishing this sacred and unexpected gift from God.

Practical Application

Luke 1:24 reminds us that God often works in unexpected ways and at His own timing. For those facing seemingly impossible situations or long-held desires, this verse offers hope that God's power transcends human limitations. It also encourages a spirit of humble gratitude and private reflection when God bestows blessings, allowing us to fully appreciate His work in our lives before seeking public acknowledgment. Ultimately, it points to God's meticulous plan, where even seemingly small, hidden events contribute to His grand redemptive narrative.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

No cross-references found for this verse.